Lossy mode resonance-based fiber optic sensor using layer-by-layer SnO2 thin film and SnO2 nanoparticles

Abstract

A novel LMR-based optical fiber sensor fabricated with SnO 2 thin film is proposed in this paper, and SnO 2 nanoparticles overlayed on film are further utilized to raise the sensitivity of sensor. The numerical SnO 2 sensing models coated with SnO 2 NPs of two different particle interval are constructed, and the sensitivity enhance by 24.5% and 55.1% respectively compare to that only with SnO 2 film. In the following research experiments, layer-by-layer method is firstly applied in deposition of SnO 2 film and the enhancement in sensitivity caused by SnO 2 NPs tallies with the theoretical predictions. Finally, this paper goes further into the principles of sensitizing combined with the simulation of electric field strength and the characteristics of nanoparticles. The sensor with controllable film and high repeatability possesses high sensitivity up to 5334 nm/RIU theoretical and 4704 nm/RIU experimental, which provides information for utilization of nanoparticles in LMR sensing. • A novel SnO 2 lossy-mode resonance fiber optic sensor utilizing SnO 2 nanoparticles is proposed. • The sensors possess sensitivity up to 5334 nm/RIU theoretical and 4704 nm/RIU experimental. • Firstly apply layer-by-layer method to fabricate SnO 2 LMR sensors. • Explore the relationship between sensitivity of LMR sensors and thickness of film. • Study the sensitization of SnO 2 NPs to SnO 2 LMR sensors.